Sunday, December 22, 2019

CLONMACNOIS PARISH BULLETIN DECEMBER 22nd 2019


SHANNONBRIDGE
Vigil 4th Sunday of Advent Saturday 21st December 6:30p.m
6:30p.m. Eileen Higgins
Monday, 23rd December   -   St John of Kanty 
7p.m.  Mass  (Confessions afterwards)
Tuesday, 24th December   -   Christmas Eve  
10a.m. NO Mass    
6:00p.m. Christmas Eve Mass            
Wednesday 25th December  -
Christmas Day,   12 Noon Mass of the Nativity
Thursday, 26th December   -   St Stephen’s
No  Mass S’bridge (Mass Moore 11, Boher 11am, Ferbane 12)
Friday, 27th December    -    St John, Evangelist      
   7pm Mass   (Mass Moore 11 Ferbane 12)        
Saturday, 28th December   -   Feast of the Holy Innocents            
Saturday 28th December   -Eve of   The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
6:30pm. (1) Damien Kenny (Anniv.)
(2) Julianne Dillon (M/M)
CLONFANLOUGH.                      
Sunday, 22nd  Dec- 4th Sun Advent
10:30a.m. Mary Kate Dolan M/M
 Also Requiem Mass for Dan Edwards
Sunday, 29th December   -   The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
10:30a.m. Kieran & Kate Daly, Joe Daly & extended family (Creevagh )
 RECENT DEATHS  Dan Edwards  Carrowkeel, Clonfanlough
RECENTLY BAPTISED We welcomed Aoife Lorraine Kelly  into the Christian Community last weekend
SUNDAY READINGS 2020  – Available sacristy  FREE  for Sunday rota readers
COLLECTIONS: Offertory Dec 14/15th
2019 €785 Shrine €50  
CLUAIN CHIARAIN  No Mass Wed 25th or Jan 1st  Next Mass Jan  8th.(T.Cox


MINISTRIES                                               
  Shanonbridge:Sat  28th  December @6:30 p.m.          
Server Grp 2Aoife F, Harry,Luke,Ellie&Noah O’D.
Reader: Pattie Corbett E.M. John Mitchell  Ch Care Gemma Moore, Doris Claffey
Clonfanlough:Dec 24th (8pm) Dec 25&  29th Dec @10:30am
Server Grp 2 Neása T, Eva S
 Reader: AlanDevery Dec 24 / Bridie Coughlan Dec 25 Rita Molloy Dec 29th Euch Min.:Jacqueline Hennessy Dec 24/Leanne Quinn Dec 25th/ Dec 29 Declan McEvoy          Church Care– Dec Kathleen Norton/Helen Darcy

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Joseph took Mary to his home’
Nelson Mandela recalled the moment when he realized he was free. It was when he arrived at his old home in Soweto, small, humble, but home. Home is where our story begins, where memories are created, and where we always belong. It’s the place where we grow up wanting to leave, and grow old yearning to return. In these final days of the Advent season we are drawn to home, to the people who made and shaped us, to what is deepest within. We come home in another sense at this time also, home to the centre of our history, home to a story that gives meaning to our journey. The story is Emmanuel. God is with us. There can be no greater story. Happy homecoming! Nollaig shona.

PARISH CHRISTMAS MESSAGE A sincere word of thanks to all who contributed to the life of our Parish during 2019. Your support, unfailing kindness and generous hospitality is greatly appreciated. Nollaig Shona agus Athbhliain Shuaimhneach. . Nollaig Shona agus Athbhliain Shuaimhneach. Fr. Tom & Parish Pastoral Council  Enda Molloy, Anne Guinan, Kathleen Norton, Eileen Quinn, Vincent Darcy, Dympna Fitzpatrick,  Sr. Margaret Mary, Patricia Anderson, Anne McEvoy
 OFFERTORY ENVELOPES Planned Giving Envelopes Currently new boxes of envelopes for 2020 are available for distribution and collection to those who use them. We thank our Parish Representatives who distribute these New boxes become effective on 5th January 2020.

DOON / SHANNONBRIDGE GAA LOTTO The winning numbers in last week’s lotto draw were 8, 21, 22, 27. No jackpot winner. One match 3 winner. This week’s jackpot is €12,000 and the draw will be held in Doon on Monday 23rd December. Happy Christmas to all our supporters.
GODS’ WORD 2020  Available from Sacristy./Fr. Tom. The daily Mass readings with a short reflection. Cost price €6 PARISH CALENDARS are in the Church porches and you are welcome to take a copy home
SHANNONBRIDGE VIGIL MASS - Moves to 7pm from Saturday 4th January 2020 onwards.
 CAR WASH - Belmont GAA are hosting a Fundraising Car Wash on Christmas Eve in Moystown Pitch from 12 - 4pm. Your support on the day would be very much appreciated.
MASS OF PEACE - For all the families of our community in Shannonbridge Parish Church at 12 noon on New Year’s Day. We encourage all families to make an effort to be with us.
EPIPHANY– Monday Jan 6th 2020. As it’s a Holyday and school reopens that day, after the 10:30 Clonfanlough Mass, I shall be in Clonmacnois NS for mass at 11:45a.m.  All are welcome as we sing carols with the children.

SCHOOL’S OUT! We’d like to wish our young friends a lovely  Christmas break. We want to keep our school safe and well maintained, so we would ask passers-by & local residents to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity. Just to remind that apart from school hours, the school and grounds are closed to public access.

CONFESSIONS Monday Dec 23rd 7p.m. Shannonbridge Church after 7p.m. Mass
Christmas Eve, Confessions in Ferbane Church  on Tuesday from 11am until 4pm
  
Christmas Arrangements

Christmas Eve  Tues. Dec 24th
Shannonbridge6:00p.m.Mass
Clonfanlough 8:00p.m. Mass

 Christmas Day (Wednesday) in                     Clonfanlough  at 10.30 a.m.
Shannonbridge. 12 Noon

CONFESSIONS
Christmas Eve—Mon  24th
 In Ferbane 11a.m.—4p.m.
 Bishop Francis Christmas Message 2019:
We are all familiar with the story of Christmas – the journey that Mary and Joseph embarked on, their expectancy and anticipation of the imminent arrival of the baby Jesus. But, as we celebrate Christmas 2019 in a world that is troubled and where so many people have to leave home because of war and persecution, we might reflect on the fact that at the very centre of the Christmas story were two people also seeking a welcome from strangers. Mary and Joseph were displaced and seeking accommodation at a vulnerable time in their lives. Their immediate concern was to find shelter and safety for the birth of their child. One man took pity on the couple and gave them shelter in a stable. 

During our recent listening process, which took place as part of our preparations for next year’s Diocesan Assembly, the joys, anxieties and hopes that come with family life were very clearly expressed to me. Receiving help in our times of need is a concern that all families share.  Pope Francis recently tweeted ‘The true worship of God is always expressed in love of one’s neighbour’.

So, this Christmas I would like to remember and pray for two groups of people: those in need of assistance and those who give assistance.  Those who need assistance include all who are homeless, our own people and displaced people who come to our shores seeking refuge and the welcome of strangers.  Those who give assistance include the many women and men who work with the emergency services who are there when needed, medical personnel, ambulance, fire brigade, Garda Síochána and a great number of volunteers and organisations who make all the difference.  As we see the selfless assistance these people give, might we also be inspired to look out for each other through the coming year?

As we remember the birth of Jesus, our Saviour may we be inspired to carry the love of God and the hope of Christmas into the world.  And may all of you, your family, and your friends have a wonderful and blessed Christmas.
Francis Duffy Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois





Monday, December 16, 2019

CLONMACNOIS PARISH BULLETIN DECEMBER 15th 2019


SHANNONBRIDGE
Saturday, 14th December - St. John of the Cross Vigil 3rd Sun of Advent
6.30p.m. Christina, John & Patrick Turley
Monday, 16th December   10am. Service
[7p.m. Mass (Confessions afterwards)]      
Tuesday, 17th December                                  
Wednesday, 18th December   -   St. Flannan                               
Thursday, 19th December 10am Service                  
Friday, 20th December    -   St. Fachann
10am Mass  Josephine & Brian Kenny (Clondelara 6th Anniv)          
Saturday, 21st December    -   St. Peter Canisius  10am. Mass Maura Moran
Vigil 4th Sunday of Advent Saturday 21st December 6:30p.m
6:30p.m. Eileen Higgins
CLONFANLOUGH.                      
Sunday, 15th Dec - 3rd Sun Advent
10:30am  Kieran & Mary Daly & Tom Mannion [ DO THIS IN MEMORY - Mass for those preparing for First Communion at 10:30am Mass Clonfanlough ]
Thursday 19th Dec 7p.m. Mass (Confessions afterwards)
Sunday, 22nd  Dec- 4th Sun Advent
10:30a.m. Mary Kate Dolan M/M
 RECENT DEATHS  Ina Slevin  mother of Mary Kenny, Shannonbridge
John Buckley, Clara  past mentor of  Shannonbridge GAA
2020 SUNDAY MISSAL – Available sacristy for Sunday rota readers
COLLECTIONS: Offertory Dec 7/8th
2019 €535 Shrine €70  
CLUAIN CHIARAIN  Mass Wed. 18th Dec  at 7.30pm
PARISH ENVELOPES BOXES - A very big thank you to all who organise and distribute the Offertory Boxes. Your number may have changed from previous years. This is necessary with the changes we have from year to year. If you haven’t received a box, please contact me. . It is important that we all contribute to the well-being of our Parish, thanking you
THANK YOU - Fr. Francis O’Hanlon would like to thank all who sympathised and sent messages of condolence on the death of his brother Noel Hanlon (RIP 3/11/2018)

ADVENT PRAYER VIGIL in Cluain Chiaráin Prayer Centre, Clonmacnois on Friday 20th December. Mass at 9pm. Adoration and prayers follow until 2.10am. Enquiries to Dave 085- 7746763.
CAR WASH - Belmont GAA are hosting a Fundraising Car Wash on Christmas Eve in Moystown Pitch from 12 - 4pm. Your support on the day would be very much appreciated
CONFESSIONS  IN PASTORAL AREA
Tues 17th 6:30pm Banagher 7:30pm Cloghan 7:00p.m. Ballinahowen
 Friday 20th 10am. Ferbane  : An opportunity for individual Confessions after 10am Mass in Ferbane. There will be a number of priests available. Also on Christmas Eve, Confessions in Ferbane Church from 11am until 4pm
Friday 20th Dec Boher after 7p.m. Mass
Saturday 21st Dec Pullough
CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES  As indicated last week, it was proposed to change the mass times a little to facilitate more people. Thank you for feedback both personally and via PPC members
Christmas Eve (Tuesday Dec 24th)                  
6p.m. Shannonbridge 8p.m. Clonfanlough
Christmas Day Wednesday Dec 25th 
10:30am.. Clonfanlough 12 noon  Shannonbridge
#SHARE THE JOURNEY online Advent Calendar www.catholicbishops.ie/adventcalendar.
BIBLE DIARIES available €7 (Daily Readings &short Reflection for 2020)

 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

‘Rejoice in the Lord always’
This is ‘Gaudete Sunday’. The Latin word gaudete means ‘rejoice’. We light the pink candle on our Advent wreath today. It is called the ‘Shepherds Candle’ and symbolises the joyful expectation of these days. ‘Where there is love, there is joy’, according to Mother Teresa, and love manifests itself most of all in giving and in service. Our experience of life teaches us that those who are most joyful are those who do most for others. Words attributed to LebaneseAmerican poet Kahil Gibran capture beautifully this core aspect of joy:
I slept and I dreamed that life is all joy.
I woke and I saw that life is all service.
 I served and saw that service is joy.’
Let us make this a truly joyful Christmas.
 DOON / SHANNONBRIDGE GAA LOTTO The winning numbers in last week’s lotto draw were 12, 16, 21, 24. No jackpot winner. Six match 3 winners. This week’s jackpot is €11,800 and the draw will be held in Shannonbridge on Monday 15th December.
S.A.RA. (Active Retirement Group) would like to thank all who supported our Christmas Flora Demonstation also a big thank you to Syra Reid for the demonstration
LIVE CRIB - In the grounds of Ballinahown Parochial House will take place on Sunday 22nd December from 4pm to 6pm, with Prayer Service at 5pm, involving all three areas of our Parish and their choirs. Donations will be given to Cenacolo Community, a Rehab in Knock for young people coming off addiction. Please mark your calendar for this beautiful creative event.
CHRISTMAS CAKE SALE  in aid of Clonmacnois National School on Sunday 15th Dec in Clonfanlough Hall at 11a.m. Tea/Coffee  & Raffle. Come & support

Bambinelli Sunday  This Year we will celebrate ‘Bambinelli Sunday’  at all our Masses on the Third Sunday of Advent (December 15th) All children and families are invited to bring the baby Jesus figure from their homes to be blessed. A suggestion is,  following the blessing, take your ‘Bambinelli’ home, wrap it and open it as a family on Christmas morning where the youngest member of the family would place it in the crib. A gift of the presence of Christ in your home this Christmas
The Star Still Shines
Oh, star set high in a winter sky by God's almighty hand stretch forth thy light and shine tonight
on men in every land. In hearts renew the flame that drew proud kings to an Infant's birth—the first crusade when a humble maid gave God to the hungry earth. Retard the pace of men who race
for coins of this world's minting.
From the measure spanned by a Baby's hand
pours golden wealth unstinting.
Though men may lift the barren gift,
rich incense clouds the air.
When loaf and cup once more raise up
the Flesh and Bone of prayer.
And the blood not dry and the battle cry
of the wars that are never won
seem but as loss 'neath the tall dark cross
and the myrrh that anoints God's Son.
The gifts of today could never pay
for a stall in a barren manger
but the star still shines, and its golden lines
light the feet of the weary stranger.
 Mary Jo Matthews
 Gaudete (Rejoice)
Because Christmas is almost here
Because dancing fits so well with music
Because inside baby clothes are miracles. Gaudete (Rejoice)
Because some people love you
Because of chocolate
Because pain does not last forever
Because Santa Claus is coming. Gaudete (Rejoice)
Because of laughter
Because there really are angels
Because your fingers fit your hands
Because forgiveness is yours for the asking Because of children
Because of parents. Gaudete (Rejoice)
 Because the blind see. And the lame walk. Because lepers are clean And the deaf hear. Because the dead will live again And there is good news for the poor. Gaudete (Rejoice) Because of Christmas
Because of Jesus You rejoice. 
"Gaudete," which is the Latin word for "rejoice," is the Third Sunday in Advent.
HYMNS:  O Come Emmanuel O come, O come, Emmanuel, To free our captive Israel That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear. Rejoice, Rejoice, O Israel, To you shall come Emmanuel. //O Royal branch of Jesse‟s tree, Redeem us all from tyranny, From pain of hell, your people free, And over death win victory.
 Come O Lord Promised Lord and Christ is he, May we soon his Kingdom see. Come, O Lord, quickly come, Come in glory, come in glory, Come in glory, quickly come. //Teaching, healing, once was he, May we soon his Kingdom see. Come O Lord, quickly come, Come in glory etc as above...
When Creation Was Begun When creation was begun God had chosen you to be Mother of his blessed son. Holy Mary full of grace. Ave, Ave, Ave Maria. //When creation was restored You were there beside toe Lord Whom you cherished and adored Holy Mary full of grace


 MINISTRIES                                               
  Shanonbridge:Sat  21st  December @6:30 p.m.          
Server Group 1 Emily D., James D, Ruth Q.Grace F Reader: Ffionn Anderson E.M. Marie McManus Ch Care Paula Claffey,Deirdre Kenny,Colette Quinn
Clonfanlough:Sun 22nd Dec @10:30am
Server Grp 1 Rory D, Grace D, Kate McC
 Reader: Della Fitzgerald Euch Min.:Ann Guinan Church Care– Dec Kathleen Norton/Helen Darcy